Not arguing against unions, but they don’t have teeth everywhere you go. I’m part of the IBEW and they’re great further north, but where I’m at our greatest consolation is $20 an hour (pretty good for the area) and 15 minute breaks at 8a and 10a. We also have a no strike/lockout clause in our contract.
So, don’t just join a union. Participate. Bargain for more. The union isn’t the savior, it’s a tool so we can save ourselves.